County board actions

The board reached a milestone of awarding $20 million of Youth Sports grants, returned the crime lab budget amendment for review, approved the 2018 budget, accepted a grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation to prevent homelessness and more.

Youth Sports program reaches $20 million milestone

The board awarded $1.9 million of Hennepin County Youth Sports grants Tuesday, meaning the program has now provided more than $20 million to organizations across the county.

Since it began in 2009, Youth Sports has awarded 21.7 million for 136 facility projects, 260 small equipment projects, 10 playground projects, and water safety lessons. Proceeds from the Twins ballpark sales tax support this program.

"For several years, it’s been an honor to see new and improved facilities open in neighborhoods throughout the county. Beyond the excitement of the grand opening events, these facilities will make an impact on children and families for years to come," District 4 Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said.

On Tuesday, the board awarded grants to the following organizations to improve or expand facilities:

City of Champlin

City of Edina

City of Golden Valley

City of Loretto

City of Maple Grove

City of Saint Louis Park

Hopkins Schools

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Minneapolis Public Schools

Orono School District

Richfield Public Schools

Saint Anthony-New Brighton Schools

The board also awarded small equipment grants to several organizations.

"This program very intentionally invests in the health and well-being
of youth in our community. Access to sports facilities helps kids stay busy and active while having
fun and pursuing their interests," District 1 Commissioner Mike Opat said.

Board returns crime lab budget amendment for review

The board voted not to proceed with a budget amendment to change the reporting structure for the Hennepin County crime lab, but instead to return the amendment to its author.

Based on previous studies of Hennepin County crime lab governance, county commissioners Marion Greene and Linda Higgins had proposed an amendment in which the Hennepin County crime lab would report to County Administration, rather than the Sheriff's Office.

Greene introduced a motion Tuesday to return the amendment to her. She indicated she plans to bring forward an open and transparent process to look at crime lab governance next year. The motion passed 7-0.

Board approves 2018 budget

On Tuesday, the board voted to approve the county’s 2018 budget of $2.4 billion, $285.7 million more than the 2017 adjusted budget. The budget includes a net property tax levy of $788.6 million, an increase of $29.2 million over the 2017 final net property tax levy. The final property tax levy increase of 3.84 percent is less than the preliminary property tax levy increase of 4.95 percent.Read more.

The board also approved the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority budget of $11.2 million and levy of $8.5 million. Read more.

The board also approved the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority budget of $109 million and levy of $36 million. Read more.

Pohlad Family Foundation funding will prevent homelessness

The board accepted a $500,000 grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation to support families and youth at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Grant funding will help people at risk of eviction and those requiring homelessness prevention services.

Renewed resources will improve child well-being

The board accepted $65,000 of funding from Casey Family Programs to advance Hennepin County's child well-being focus. This approach invests early in what children and families need to thrive by prioritizing children’s physical, emotional, social, relational health and development.